There is a serious failure of governance when the line between the role of council and the role of administration is breached.

One of the core foundations of governance is the separation between the board and the executive. In companies you can have executive directors where a key executive such as the CEO also sits on the board where they have a voice, and a vote. In local government there is no scope for this; the only people who can vote are those who have been elected by a ratepayer or resident. And the only people who can run the operations of the local government are the paid staff.

For local government, the council must not direct the administration on how to fulfil their job. And the administration must defer to council’s positions – whether they like them or not.

There are a few concerns about I have over the corporate governance and transparency standards at the City of Bayswater. One of the core components of good governance is the proper disclosure of interests.

By now people should be aware that council rates in the City of Bayswater will increase by an average 4.95%. That doesn’t concern me; but the use of debt does.

As always happens soon after an election, the newly configured council meet and vote for the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of the City of Bayswater. The result from last night’s Special Council Meeting shows there has been a shift in power, and that shift will likely lead to significant changes for the City.

Whatever the election outcome, it is going to be ugly for the Liberal Party of WA. Unfortunately, the Liberal power brokers occupy the number 1 spots on the Legislative Committee, so will be okay. It’s everyone else who will be shafted. And when I say everyone else, I mean us. The people.

Whilst some West Australians are criticising our Prime Minister for his Liberal government’s handling on climate change, they should also take the opportunity to focus on the McGowan State Labor government.

A recent Joint Development Assessment Panel (DAP) vote really shows that DAPs are a law unto themselves, and that urgent action is required from Minister Rita Saffioti and the State Labor government to reign them in. 

Communicating with government can be hard; so hard that most people just can’t be bothered.

I really suggest you download this app.